McNair Death Shocks Teammates

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was a leader on the football field, a player many of his teammates almost viewed as invincible.

Now McNair is dead - police say he was found shot and killed Saturday at a condominium complex in Nashville. He was 36.

His death shocked former teammates, and those who knew him.

"I just got back from Atlanta. I am at a loss of words and can't put anything into a picture that makes sense. I am just so sad right now," former Titans running back Eddie George said. "I am just trying to get to (his wife) Mechelle's house to show support and take it from there. I really don't know what to say about it other than I lost a great friend and it is tough to put into words. It is still fresh."

George said he hadn't talked to McNair in a while, but was supposed to attend a benefit with him next week.

"We were supposed to talk about old times," George said. "What can I say? How do you move on and process it? It just doesn't make sense. It is sad the way that he left this earth. A lot of emotions are going through me right now. I have so many memories of him."

Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger coached McNair when he was named co-MVP of the NFL in 2003.

McNair, a quarterback with the Oilers/Titans from 1995-2005, led the team to its only Super Bowl appearance in 2000. He shared the league's MVP award with Peyton Manning in '03.

"Right now the only thing I can say is I feel for Mechelle and his family and I am praying for them," Heimerdinger said. "We can talk all the football stories you want later, but right now Mechelle and the kids are the most important thing."

The Titans on Saturday released a statement from owner Bud Adams:

"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."

Former Titans receiver Kevin Dyson chatted with McNair at Jeff Fisher's Celebrity Softball Tournament. He said McNair was happy as the two talked about McNair's children and the opening of his new restaurant in Nashville. McNair is survived by sons Junior, Steven, Tyler and Trenton.

Dyson, like so many others, didn't want to believe the new when he heard it. He woke up from a nap only to find his phone full of text messages.

"He was enjoying his peace and enjoying retirement," Dyson said.

His thoughts turned to who might have killed him, but said for now he wants to remember the good times.

"I could speculate until I'm blue in the face like everybody else," Dyson said. "Your mind can kind of go wild - It could have been this or it could have been this. I hate to even do that to myself, too. I just want to sit here and think about playing with him and the memories I have of him as a teammate, playing cards or playing softball together, the Super Bowl, etc½lcub¾hellip½rcub¾